[Tom Ruddell]

Seems like Branson might make a good home for the Bethlehem Central Railroad.

Update on the BCR: The railroad still is intact due to the very remote possibility that the buyer of our home might also want to buy the railroad. We now have a strong prospect who only needs tp sell their home before signing a contract on our placeâ€"and they don't want the railroad. So I'm stepping up efforts to find a buyer who would relocate the railroad someplace, preferably setting it up as a public attraction due to its unique programming characteristics.

I'm almost done with a replacement cost analysis that will include pricing on all the rolling stock, some 2,000 feet of stainless steel and brass track, buildings, controls, spare parts, etc. I'm guesstimating it will come out around $40,000. The asking price for the whole railroadâ€"lock, stock, and barrel, boxed, and ready to shipâ€"is $8,500.

Incidentally, my back is improved, but it's obvious that Nancy and I need to downshift the gears of life, find smaller quarters, and, sadly, say goodbye to a wonderful ministry and hobby.

Tom Ruddell
Bethlehem Central Railroad
Midland City (Dothan), Alabama

 

[bryanj]

Sorry to hear that Tom. /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/sad.gif Never even made it out to your place, Loved your DVD though. Wish I could buy it all to carry on the legacy. Branson would be great.

 

[Tom Ruddell]

Thanks much, Bryan.

Hope I can find a couple of garden railroaders in the Branson area to get their advice on whom to contact, etc. I have calls in to the chamber of commerce but haven't heard back. There was a big model railroad show in Branson last month and I have a call into the show contact who lives near Branson but haven't heard back from him, either.

Best wishes,

Tom